Improving right hand technique

FlippinGod · #1 05-01-2009, 01:47 AM

Hi to you all,
I am new to TB and I have already found tons of useful information here, thank you all for this. I play bass for something like ten years, but I always had it just for fun and not serious playing, so I feel like a novice now, when I finally decided to learn how to play. And now the problem:

I am left handed and always took advantage of that (in sports, drumming etc.), but recently I found out that it limits me somehow. I bought a left-handed bass and guitar and realized that while LH guitar is almost fine with me, I am almost unable to play the bass. So I got RH bass and decided to start playing like the rest of the world. BUT - I noticed that my right hand is not able to keep up with the left one (what a surprise), so can you please recommend me some exercises specifically for the right hand technique? I found lots of great ideas here for practicing both hands, but I think I need to pay special attention to my right hand, because it gets really frustrating.

Thank you (:

Dogbertday · #2 05-01-2009, 01:51 AM

either a buddah rope (slightly thicker than clothes line placed between last fret and strings... play normal licks and it'll strengthen both hands)... or jkust practice slow enought to do it clean, THEN build speed... either way your right hand will catch up

and as always minimize movement as much as possible... let the amp do the heavy lifting

Asher S · #3 05-01-2009, 08:01 AM

This video might help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPVMBPmrblU

unclejane · #4 05-01-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlippinGod

Hi to you all,
I am new to TB and I have already found tons of useful information here, thank you all for this. I play bass for something like ten years, but I always had it just for fun and not serious playing, so I feel like a novice now, when I finally decided to learn how to play. And now the problem:

I am left handed and always took advantage of that (in sports, drumming etc.), but recently I found out that it limits me somehow. I bought a left-handed bass and guitar and realized that while LH guitar is almost fine with me, I am almost unable to play the bass. So I got RH bass and decided to start playing like the rest of the world. BUT - I noticed that my right hand is not able to keep up with the left one (what a surprise), so can you please recommend me some exercises specifically for the right hand technique? I found lots of great ideas here for practicing both hands, but I think I need to pay special attention to my right hand, because it gets really frustrating.

Thank you (:

Er, JMHO, but if you're left handed, you should probably play left-handed. It doesn't matter what the rest of us do.

I'm right handed and when I try to play lefty, I can barely even hold the bass, much less pluck and string and mash it down at the same time with both hands.

I imagine you have the same thing trying to play righty.

Have you considered just working on your technique playing lefty for a little while longer?

LS

Asher S · #5 05-01-2009, 12:24 PM

Left-hand bass playing, supreme edition (maybe a little inspiration...):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r8t9rNyah8

FlippinGod · #6 05-01-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejane

Er, JMHO, but if you're left handed, you should probably play left-handed. It doesn't matter what the rest of us do.

I'm right handed and when I try to play lefty, I can barely even hold the bass, much less pluck and string and mash it down at the same time with both hands.

I imagine you have the same thing trying to play righty.

Have you considered just working on your technique playing lefty for a little while longer?

LS

Well, I was considering that. But I play right handed for so long... The real problem is that I have a band to play with and I can't really support them with my fake LH musicman (although I am really amazed by its sound, given I got her new for some $80 or so). And I just bought a bass with sound I really love...

Actually it has some advantages - when I play something that requires more dexterity on the fretboard, it is real fun for me, I have to think about it far less then I should, because it feels more "natural". Problem is that I currently play in punkrock band, so style that features minimal movement over the fretboard, but strong and constant right hand play that gives me those problems.

**Thor** · #7 05-01-2009, 03:24 PM

I found a hand exercize DVD for fingerpick guitar style that
translates very well to right hand bass plucking exercises.

Peter Huttlinger - Essential Exercises for Fingerstyle Guitar.
It is all right hand exercise work. There is enough material
here to keep you busy for a year at the cost of one lesson
with a teacher.

Peter is a National Fingerstyle Champion (US), and is based in
Nashville. He composes, arranges and has backed many names
including LeAnn Rimes and John Denver.

http://www.amazon.com/DVD-Essential-.../dp/B00067WSXO

Also available for Homespun Tapes, a family company I really
like. HAppy Traum, the owner of Homespun, directed the DVD.

http://www.homespuntapes.com/shop/product.aspx?ID=442

This is a great tool, I own it and I highly recommend it.

stretch80 · #8 05-01-2009, 03:35 PM

It can work fine to play a right handed bass as a lefty - I've been doing it for 30 years. Yes, your right hand isn't inherently as strong, but your left is stronger. I play a lot of fretless bass, and have had an easier time with intonation than some of my bassist friends. Being a lefty may have something to do with it.

Lots of good suggestions here on exercises and books. Just practice, and you'll get there!